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General Misc => Misc => Topic started by: Admin on February 17, 2009, 03:44:12 AM

Title: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: Admin on February 17, 2009, 03:44:12 AM

Yeap, apparently Atmel is now adding ZigBee technology to their products:
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/corporate/view_detail.asp?FileName=MeshNeticsZigbeeIP_2_3.html

The announcement wasn't entirely clear, but it appears like they are adding ZigBee to the ARM, ATmega, XMEGA, and AVR®32 lines . . . supposedly products released 'Q1 2009'.

I want!!!!!


edit: You can find a video of it here
http://www.avrtv.com/2009/02/03/atmel-mcu-wireless-solutions-news/

Title: Re: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: yerbie on February 17, 2009, 07:24:29 AM

It's time to create Axon2  ;D

Title: Re: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: Admin on February 17, 2009, 09:22:27 AM

Way ahead of you!

I looked into it and they have a pin compatible device with the current Axon:
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/devices.asp?family_id=676

However they haven't released any datasheets on it yet . . . just a $83 (http://www.newark.com/jsp/extlink.jsp?action=buy&product=94M6243) demo board:
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=4395

Digikey is selling the chips already.

My concern is that I'd probably have to add an antennae, lose a UART output, and price will go up $10 each (after assembly and all supporting external components). If I sold 1000 Axons, thats $10k more I'd have to spend!

And not that many people have a ZigBee transceiver to receive stuff, which is the #1 reason I probably won't use it on an Axon.

Title: Re: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: Razor Concepts on February 17, 2009, 11:05:44 AM

Maybe you could do small runs of the zigbee axons.

Title: Re: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: pomprocker on February 17, 2009, 11:07:55 AM

Well, XBee uses zigbee technology right?

If so, I've gotten wireless programming to work using the Xbee's.

You could boast it to be the only microcontroller you can program wirelessly

Title: Re: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: Trumpkin on February 17, 2009, 12:35:49 PM

Quote

You could boast it to be the only microcontroller you can program wirelessly

The RCX (LEGO) can be programmed wirelessly.

Title: Re: Atmel buys ZigBee IP
Post by: Admin on February 17, 2009, 01:11:07 PM

I spoke with a rep from Atmel and it turns out ZigBee hasn't been integrated with any of their products. Only its now supported . . . meaning a ZigBee chip connected to an ATmega will work and is sold together . . .

He also mentioned the free 'ZigBee MAC' which apparently is software you can upload into an ATmega. I haven't looked into it though . . .